The first item of significance was the board’s motion to submit various projects for state review, which is a preliminary step towards a September referendum. The projects include the purchase and renovation of a property on South Avenue, adding capacity to schools, electrical work, full air conditioning in all schools, fire alarm updates in four schools, and roof repairs and replacements across all school facilities. The submission to the state will begin a 90-day review period during which the state will assess tax impact and state aid contribution, expected to be in the millions of dollars.

Following the state’s review and approval, the board plans to initiate extensive communication with the community to explain the referendum’s details, including the exact wording and implications of the vote. It was clarified during the meeting that the board has the option to present the referendum in up to three separate questions, which would allow voters to decide on individual components of the initiative.

The second item that garnered attention was the approval of payment to architects responsible for preparing the extensive paperwork required for state submissions. The discussion clarified that while the initial agenda wording suggested it was for a ‘second question’, it was in fact to approve a professional services proposal for the architects to prepare multiple applications for submission to the state.

The third notable topic was the engagement of a communications firm to aid in informing and consulting with the community about the upcoming referendum. Starting in April, the firm will begin organizing focus groups and ramping up outreach to ensure transparency and community involvement in the process. Plans include setting up a dedicated email address for community members to ask questions and receive information, which will be managed by the communications firm in coordination with the school board.